Governor & State Administration

The Governorship is a direct descendent of the earliest officeA. Qualifications

1. Formal (typically)- U.S. Citizen, 25-30 yr old, live in state, qualified voter

2. Informal- race, sex, religion, name recognition, personality, party affiliation, etc.

B. Selection: chosen by popular voteC. Term: 4 years (2)D. Succession: usually Lt. GovernorE. Removal: impeachment, except Oregon

1. recall: by petition- if 25% of people that voted for governor will take back their votes, can be removed

Governor’s many roles

A. Executive powers1. Appointment &

removal (hire/fire)2. Supervisory powers

over everyone3. Budget- making

power4. Military- in charge of

National Guard

Governor’s many roles

B. Legislative powers1. Message power- recommend legislation2. Congress- can call special sessions3. Veto- can only reject one or more measures- not the entire bill

Judicial powers: clemency- grant powers of mercy

1. Pardon: release person of all legal consequences (only after conviction)2. Commutation: reduce sentence3. Reprieve: postpones execution4. Parole: release short of complete term

***Often shared w/1 or more boards (parole board)

Other Executive Officers

A. Lieutenant Governor: succeeds if vacancy in governorship

Presides over senate in ½ states

B. Secretary of State: state’s chief clerk & record keeper

Other Executive Officers

B. State Treasurer: chief tax collector/state’s pay master

C. Attorney General: legal advisor, represents state in court

Richard Ellis

John Swallow